Look Out, It’s Time to Clean House!

Maybe I am channeling my inner Martha Stewart, or maybe I am just inspired since I saw some semi-icky stuff during a massage recently, but I believe we can all use a checklist to make sure our business, practice, massage room and equipment are up to par and ready for Spring. Here are a few things you can do to help get ready and be out with the old winter grunge and in with the fresh spring air!

1: I know it is hard to remember that people on a table can see under your counters or under your side tables…The fact is, this perspective on your practice is often overlooked by therapists an employees. You would not believe some of the yuk that can accrue under there like dust bunnies with fangs, cobwebs that look like they were made by a tarantula, and bits of paper and candy wrappers that have missed the broom a few times because they are “JUST” out of reach.

If your client returns week after week, and sees this kind of thing going unchecked, they “MAY” have the impression the entire facility isn’t clean. While it may not be true, does that really matter if the client does not return? Will it help if they tell five people they know your practice is dirty? Nope….! So take a moment, get on your table, face up, side lying, and face down. What do you see? If you see UNDER SOMETHING, be sure to keep it CLEAN!

2: Check Expiration Dates on all things that can expire. Be sure to check your retail shelves as well as your back bar for anything that may be going out soon. If you have something about to expire, run a special or sale on a treatment requiring that product. If your pale of sugar scrub has a bit left in it, but expires in 2 months, then run a special on sugar scrubs to be sure you get the most for your money!

3: Linen Inspection. “Oh Angie, lighten up… My sheets are FINE! “ Hmmm…..I would not be so hasty! When was the last time you put your sheets on a table and got between them? Are they pilling, do they smell or feel scratchy? Are they frayed in any way? Is there an oil stain you have simply stopped seeing, but fresh eyes could pick out in a lineup? Check these things out! Sheets are not meant to last forever. In fact, we are in one of the only professions that can really consider sheets a disposable. So take a moment to go through your linens, make sure they smell fresh and are unstained, and are in good working order. Replace sets that have passed their prime. < C’mon, do the math…… let’s say 20 bucks a set, divided by a client a day for two years? Yeah, it’s time to retire them or re purpose them! They have provided you great value!>

4: Storage Closets. Make sure you have ample storage, re organize to optimize your space to have fast access to the most frequently used items, with the not used so often items towards the back.

5: Billing: Take care to go through your accounts receivable to make sure all your clients have paid you appropriately. If not, maybe it is time to make a few reminder calls.

6: Equipment Inspection: Take an afternoon to bring a screwdriver and begin going over each piece of equipment you have, tightening screws and knobs. This is important because over time, screws, bolts and knobs can loosen, so this is a great thing to do once a month as well!

7: Make a plan for your spring and summer promotions. Will you offer a geranium scrub or maybe a weekend warrior massage for those over doing it on yard work or football over the weekends? Make a list of the promotions, and then list the products you will need. Think of when you need to order to have them in house and ready when you launch your new offering. Be sure to let your customers know about your offers with a friendly email!

8: Preen Your Database: Make sure you take the time to preen your list, and make sure you have removed any dead emails or addresses. This can save you money for mail outs, and can keep you from having undeliverable emails in your blasts. Spring is a great time to reach out and touch your list with a reminder you are still here, and maybe offer 10% off the next massage!

9: Check your fire alarms, radon alarms, and exit lights. Be sure they are all operating, and even if they are, it may be time to replace batteries if you cannot recall the last time you did!

10: Look at your own appearance. If you wear scrubs, do they look clean and new? Could you use a new pair of khaki pants? Your personal appearance is as important as the appearance of your office! be sure you are providing the best possible impression to your client.

This is a great start, and no doubt you have many of your own tasks you can add! Let’s hear them! What else do you do in your practice to ready for spring and summer?
Comment and leave your suggestions!